Overview of the HOPWA Program: The Columbia CARES HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for People With AIDS) program is to address the housing needs for low-income person living with HIV/AIDS and their families. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) manages the HOPWA program. The HOPWA program is the only federal program dedicated to address the housing needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families. If eligible, Columbia CARES can assist program participants with housing information services; short-term rent, mortgage, and utility assistance; supportive services including information, transportation and nutrition assistance; and case management.

To contact the Columbia CARES HOPWA case manager for more information you may call Mandy Barry at 800.961.5332 ext 11, 931.982.3241 (CARES mobile-text or call) or email mandybarry@columbiacares.org.

Documentation that Household Income is below 80% of area income median income www.huduser.org/datasets (HOPWA defines household as all the persons who occupy a housing unit). The occupants may be a single family, one person living alone, two or more families living together or any other group of related or unrelated persons who share living arrangements.

Completed application as well as a brief intake and housing plan coordinated with the HOPWA case manager.

Client must demonstrate that resources are not available to meet rent, mortgage or utility payments.

Completed Smoke Detector Verification Form.

To request Rent Assistance- Client must show that they are named tenant under valid lease or referenced in lease as occupant.

To request Mortgage Assistance –Client must show that they are the owner of mortgaged property.

To request Utility Assistance –Client must have account in their name or proof of responsibility to make utility payment.

HOPWA STRMU is available 21 weeks out of a 52 week period. Columbia CARES defines the 52-week period as one year from the day the participant begins receiving assistance.

IMPORTANT: If you are applying for HOPWA assistance, these requirements may look complicated. If you don't understand any part of the application or its process Mandy Barry will help you complete the application and answer your questions.

Columbia CARES is located at 1202 South James Campbell Blvd., Suite 8B, Columbia, TN 38401 800.961.5332